A Frenchman with a deep commitment to mental fortitude has demonstrated the extraordinary power of the mind over matter, enduring an astonishing 13 hours, 13 minutes, and 13 seconds standing barefoot on a Sadhu nail board to set a new Guinness World Record.
Ferdinand Morellec, a 32-year-old from France, traveled to Dubai, UAE, in April 2024 to attempt the record for the longest duration standing on a Sadhu nail board (male). The Sadhu board is a traditional spiritual and yogic tool, a wooden board embedded with a grid of sharp nails. While it is commonly used in short meditation practices to improve blood circulation and mental focus, standing on it for an extended period is an extreme test of endurance and pain tolerance.
Morellec, who has been performing barefoot stunts for years, was determined to not just break the previous record of 12 hours, 12 minutes, and 8 seconds, but to make a personal statement with the symbolic number “13.” With a supportive group of friends by his side, he endured the grueling challenge, using music and deep focus to pass the time and manage the discomfort.
“I wanted to show that everyone, with the right mind and preparation, can do anything,” Morellec said. “This record was made for me.”
His remarkable feat stands as a testament to the belief that with proper training and a strong will, physical barriers can be overcome. Morellec’s journey from a personal challenge to a certified world record offers a powerful message of resilience, inspiring others to test their own limits and find strength in their inner discipline.
